effigy mounds

Effigy mounds are remarkable earthworks created by Indigenous peoples in North America, primarily between 1000 and 1800 AD. Shaped like animals, birds, or human figures, these mounds served various purposes, including ceremonial rituals, burial sites, or territorial markers. The most famous areas for effigy mounds are found in the Midwest, especially in Wisconsin and Iowa. Their construction involved careful planning and community effort, showcasing the cultural and spiritual values of the groups who built them. Today, they are recognized as significant archaeological sites, offering insights into the social and religious practices of ancient Indigenous cultures.